The Chrism Mass, which this year will take place on Wednesday 16 April 2025 at 7.30pm in the Metropolitan Cathedral, is usually the largest annual gathering of archdiocesan clergy and faithful throughout the year.
At the Mass, Archbishop Malcolm blesses the holy oils that are used throughout the archdiocese for celebrations of the sacraments in the next year. He does this in the presence of priests, deacons and lay faithful.
Additionally, the Archbishop invites the priests of the archdiocese to renew the promises they made at their ordination: to dedicate their life in service to the Church – to preach the Gospel and teach the Catholic faith, to faithfully celebrate the sacraments and to pray for God’s people.
The Chrism Mass is a beautiful celebration of unity and captures the call of Vatican II that ‘all should hold in great esteem the liturgical life of the diocese centered around the bishop, especially in his cathedral church; they must be convinced that the pre-eminent manifestation of the Church consists in the full active participation of all God’s holy people in these liturgical celebrations, especially in the same eucharist, in a single prayer, at one altar, at which there presides the bishop surrounded by his college of priests and by his ministers.’ (Sacrosanctum Concilium, 41)
Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend this liturgy enhanced by the Cathedral Choir, and experience the richness of our local church, especially if you have never been before.
Any queries please contact Claire Hanlon at c.hanlon@metcathedral.org.uk
